This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series that counts down until the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This week, we dive into the moment MLS stopped thinking small - because one global icon decided to go first...
Wayne Rooney is set to return to the United States this summer as part of the BBC’s broadcast team for the 2026 World Cup. However, despite the Manchester United legend preparing for a major career milestone, reports suggest that his wife Coleen is looking forward to some distance between them following a turbulent period in their marriage.
Cole Palmer has rubbished suggestions that he is looking for a way out of Chelsea, laughing off reports linking him with a sensational summer move to Manchester United. Despite a challenging campaign hampered by injury, the England international insists he is fully committed to the project at Stamford Bridge.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is being urged to add Morgan Gibbs-White to his World Cup plans as the Nottingham Forest No.10 offers “something different” to the likes of Cole Palmer and Phil Foden. Competition for places is fierce in the Three Lions’ playmaking department, but former Reds captain Henri Lansbury has told GOAL why MGW deserves to get the nod.
Victoria Beckham has opened up about the reported tensions within her family, insisting that she and husband David have always prioritised their roles as parents. The fashion designer’s comments come following a period of intense public scrutiny regarding the couple's relationship with their eldest son, Brooklyn.
Jonjo Shelvey is calling time on his distinguished playing career to immediately transition into management with UAE third-tier outfit Arabian Falcons FC. The former Liverpool and England playmaker is stepping into the dugout to lead a promotion charge, marking a swift end to his playing days in the Middle East alongside Ravel Morrison.
Declan Rice, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are all considered to be Ballon d’Or-worthy talents, but who will be the next Englishman to win the prestigious Golden Ball? Former Three Lions midfielder Gareth Barry has delivered his verdict to GOAL, with Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid superstars eager to be recognised as the best player on the planet.
Max Dowman has made Premier League history at Arsenal, with the 16-year-old wonderkid rewriting the record books, but Gareth Barry has told GOAL why the exciting youngster is likely to miss out on a place in England’s 2026 World Cup squad. There has been talk of the teenager becoming a wild card for the Three Lions, but questions are being asked of whether he needs to be fast tracked through that system.
Harry Kane is being tipped to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo by playing into his 40s, with ex-England star Gareth Barry telling GOAL why the prolific Bayern Munich striker should be giving no thought to retirement. Kane is only 32, with many years ahead of him, and is expected to offer domestic and international bosses a huge boost by following in the footsteps of fellow all-time greats.
Harry Kane appears to be preparing for his eventual return to England by constructing a sprawling £20 million mansion that locals claim shares a striking resemblance to Buckingham Palace. The Bayern Munich striker has spent two years developing the neo-Georgian property located in the exclusive Wentworth estate in Surrey.
Ollie Watkins has revealed that former England striker Michael Owen advised him to play with more aggression as he looks to revive his international ambitions. The Aston Villa forward has sought guidance from the legendary goalscorer during a challenging season. Watkins believes the advice could help him rediscover his best form ahead of the World Cup.
Harry Maguire has never been one to shy away from scrutiny, and the Manchester United defender has now made a series of bold claims following his recent contract extension at Old Trafford. The 33-year-old reflects on a career defined by resilience, asserting that his aerial dominance keeps him among the global elite while insisting United can fight for the Premier League title next season.
The Nigerian Football Federation has successfully secured the international commitment of Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo following a formal change of allegiance from England. The 24-year-old Londoner is now eligible to represent the Super Eagles at senior level after previously being capped by the Three Lions as a teenager.
Jonathan Rowe is quickly becoming the leading man at Bologna, but the London-born forward has his sights set on even loftier goals as the 2026 World Cup approaches. After finding his feet in Serie A under Vincenzo Italiano, the former Norwich City starlet is ready to use the European stage to prove he belongs in Thomas Tuchel’s England plans.
It was one of those passes that only Trent Alexander-Arnold could play. Liverpool had struggled to break down Tottenham in December 2024, Spurs holding strong for 23 minutes despite waves of pressure. And then, Alexander-Arnold delivered the killer ball. He drifted in from the right wing, created the ideal angle, and whipped a cross in between two centre-backs, right onto Luis Diaz's head.
Chelsea captain Reece James is reportedly on track to return from a significant hamstring injury by early May, handing Thomas Tuchel a major boost ahead of England's World Cup campaign. The versatile defender, who has been sidelined since last month, is making rapid progress in his rehabilitation to alleviate fears that he would miss the remainder of the domestic season.
Jack Wilshere has made a passionate case for Arsenal’s teenage sensation Max Dowman to be included in England’s 2026 World Cup squad, insisting that rivals like Spain would not hesitate to cap such a precocious talent. The former Gunners midfielder, who now manages Luton Town, believes the 16-year-old possesses a level of natural ability that even exceeds his own breakthrough years at the Emirates.
Jermain Defoe experienced a rollercoaster introduction to life in the dugout as his Woking side fought back from two goals down to secure a 3-3 draw against Eastleigh. The former England international saw his managerial debut nearly ruined by a defensive collapse before a spirited late rally saved a point at the Laithwaite Community Stadium.
Former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley has explained penalty-saving secrets to GOAL, revealing how he would go about trying to thwart Bruno Fernandes and Ivan Toney. Water bottles adorned with advice and instructions have become all the rage in modern football, but do they really make much of a difference in a battle of wills from 12 yards?
Uli Hoeness has claimed that Harry Kane could be worth more than Alexander Isak in the open transfer market, with Brad Friedel telling GOAL that the Bayern Munich striker would represent value for money at £500 million ($662m). That tongue-in-cheek assessment has been delivered as questions continue to be asked of how much longer the prolific England captain will spend at the Allianz Arena.
Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has addressed the situation surrounding Jude Bellingham’s fitness after the midfielder returned from international duty without playing a single minute for England. Despite being called up by Thomas Tuchel for the recent friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, the 22-year-old was managed cautiously following his recent recovery from a significant hamstring injury.
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
England
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
